THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FORUM

Self-Reliance Credit Union sends Weeklies to Ukraine

The Self-Reliance Federal Credit Union of New York gave a donation of $3,000 to fund 30 subscriptions to The Ukrainian Weekly for universities, institutes and libraries in Ukraine that offer the English language in their curriculum. The donation was prompted by one of Self-Reliance's auditors, Stephan Kaczaraj, who is also the UNA's accountant. The credit union's donation will enable students of the English language to practice their skills, as well as inform readers in Ukraine about Ukrainian community activity in the diaspora and teach them about American journalism. Above, Mr. Kaczaraj (center) presents Self-Reliance's check to UNA President Ulana Diachuk (right) and The Ukrainian Weekly Editor-in-Chief Roma Hadzewycz.

Michael Turko named champion in December organizing campaign

JERSEY CITY, N.J. - In December 1995 Michael Turko, Ford City, Pa. Branch 63 secretary, submitted 10 applications for new UNA membership. Together with the 15 applications organized in prior months, he qualified once again for membership in the Club of Outstanding Organizers.

UNA Advisor Stefko Kuropas increased UNA membership by five members, who joined Chicago Branches 176 and 423.

Five branch secretaries, namely J. Kotlar, Branch 42: Dr. V. Luchkiw, Branch 16; A. Perun, Branch 39; J. Petryshyn, Branch 341; and J. Rad, Branch 320; submitted three applications each. In addition, 10 organizers signed up two members each, and 25 one each.

Due to year-end closings, the Home Office accepted new members only up to December 23, 1995. Many applications that arrived after the deadline were shifted to the next month.

The UNA Executive Committee extended thanks to all organizers for their efforts.

In December the Home Office continued to notify members with paid-up insurance of the opportunity to increase their insurance coverage by transfering to a single-premium certificate. All members who received such an offer in December and January are asked to act promptly.

Detroit UNA District, Selfreliance organize gathering for recent emigres

by Stephen M. Wichar Sr.

WARREN, Mich. - In an attempt to unite Ukrainian emigres with established community organizations, a "Tovaryska Zustrich" (friendly get-together) was held on Sunday afternoon, January 21. More than 150 guests congregated at the new St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church Center for a dinner-meeting, with more than two-thirds representing the new Ukrainian emigration.

The activity was spearheaded by the foremost Ukrainian American financial and fraternal institutions: the Ukrainian Selfreliance Michigan Federal Credit, chaired by Lubomyr Lypeckyj, and the Ukrainian National Association Detroit District Committee (which encompasses also the Windsor and Toledo areas), under the leadership of Dr. Alexander Serafyn. Samopomich United Ukrainians of America also assisted in this effort.

After a brief welcome and opening remarks concerning the nature and purposes of the gathering, Vasyl Kolodchin introduced Mr. Lypeckyj from the Selfreliance Federal Credit Union. By a series of overhead transparencies, he showed the historical growth and milestones of the organization. In addition to phenomenal financial gains, the chairman outlined many facets of bank operations and highlighted charitable and social services to the community. Mr. Lypeckyj also presented members of his staff.

The second principal speaker for the afternoon, Dr. Serafyn, chairman of the UNA's Detroit District Committee and a UNA advisor, summarized the financial and fraternal benefits offered by this fraternal insurance society as opposed to commercial insurance companies.

Dr. Serafyn underscored the UNA's generous donations to youth activities, academic, religious and other programs. He also spoke about scholarships for university students, and the UNA's role as publisher of two newspapers and sponsor of encyclopedia projects, documentary films, etc. As well, he gave a brief report on the beautiful Soyuzivka resort center in the Catskill Mountains.

After presenting the UNA district officers, Dr. Serafyn concluded, "To achieve and continue all the foregoing programs, we need the support of the new, incoming Ukrainians."

Before questions and answers were exchanged between guests and speakers, the emcee enumerated a host of Ukrainian organizations active in Greater Detroit.

The entertainment program for the afternoon got under way with several presentations. Olha Hrynkiw began with a list of New Year's Resolutions - now and before. This was followed by songs rendered by Evhenia Krykun, a celebrated artist from Ukraine. Although at a disadvantage because her accompanist, Jurij Marshtupa, director of the Cherkassky Kozaky, had become ill, Ms. Krykun performed admirably. Wolodymyr Kyndratyshyn, tenor from Ukraine, was a hit with his song interpretations, while Andrew Matej delivered a moving recitation about "Inestimable Treasures of Our Land." Vera Kryva concluded the program with a compelling and emotional "We Are One."

Supper was served in a high spirit of camaraderie. The "Tovaryska Zustrich" ended with distribution of door prizes.

OBITUARY

Paul Slobodian, active member of UNA and Brooklyn community

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Paul Slobodian, a member of UNA Branch 158 in Brooklyn, died in his 96th year.

He was born in Hlibov, a suburb of Ternopil, in Ukraine in 1899, and came to the United States at the age of 13. In his younger years he participated in Ukrainian choruses directed by G. Kirichenko and S. Marusevich, the Dumka Chorus and the Holy Ghost Catholic Church Choir of Brooklyn.

He produced, directed and acted in local theatrical Ukrainian plays, operettas and dramatic presentations in the metropolitan New York area. In the historic UNA presentation of "Echoes of Ukraine" at Carnegie Hall in 1959 he played "The Prophet" in "The Times of Hetman Ivan Mazeppa" as well as "The Patriarch" in "Hetman Bohdan Khmelnytsky's Triumphal Entrance to Kyiv in 1649."

Mr. Slobodian died on January 13. Divine liturgy was celebrated by Msgr. Joseph Fedoryk and the Rev. Robert Hitchens at St. Vladimir Ukrainian Catholic Church in Elizabeth, N.J. Burial was at St. Andrew's Cemetery in South Bound Brook, N.J., where Mr. Slobodian's wife, Anna, was laid to rest.

Surviving are a daughter, Helen Slobodian Zabtonski, two grandsons, Thomas and John, and one great-granddaughter, Christine.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, February 25, 1996, No. 8, Vol. LXIV

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